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Four Years After the East Troublesome Fire at C Lazy U

October 18, 2024

October marks four years since the East Troublesome Fire, the second largest wildfire in Colorado history, passed through Grand County and C Lazy U Ranch. While the devastation was immense, upon looking back, what stands out most is the strength and compassion that emerged in the aftermath. From the overwhelming support of our local community to the dedication of our guests, the spirit of resilience has been at the heart of our recovery. Today, we reflect not on the destruction, but on the people and partnerships that have helped rebuild and restore the places we cherish.

A Community United in Crisis

When the fire was imminent, C Lazy U faced an overwhelming challenge: evacuating 200 horses from the ranch. With only one horse trailer, the ranch was at a loss for how to proceed until an urgent plea was sent out to the public on Facebook. In a matter of hours, the community answered. Volunteers — friends, neighbors, and even strangers — arrived to assist, forming a chain of support that successfully relocated all the horses to a neighboring ranch. The horses were saved, thanks entirely to the outpouring of kindness from individuals who came together out of the goodness of their hearts and a willingness to help.

This act of community generosity was just the beginning.

The Power of Standing Together

As the fire raged, it became clear that C Lazy U would need the support of more than just the ranch staff. Incredibly, local firefighters in collaboration with key team members managed to save some of the ranch’s most cherished buildings, including the iconic Patio House. Unfortunately, the ranch lost the barn, hay storage, a guest cabin, two staff housing units, and eight member homes.

In the aftermath, the surrounding community, ranch guests, and generous donors showed their support for those affected by the fire. Funds were raised to help the ranch staff who lost homes, and clothing drives, support groups, and volunteer efforts were coordinated to further aid those dealing with the near-unimaginable impacts of loss brought by the fire.

The ranch owners also stepped up to help, keeping every team member employed, housed, and fed — even while the ranch was shut down for six months. For those who couldn’t work, volunteering in the local community became a way to stay busy and give back.

Rebuilding for the Future

Though the fire took its toll, C Lazy U used the opportunity to rebuild with a forward-thinking approach. The ranch’s fencing, trails, and pastures were restored with the help of volunteers, ensuring that the land could continue to serve as a sanctuary for both wildlife and guests.

To replenish the ranch’s wild space and prevent soil erosion (an issue which heightens the risk of water contamination), the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District partnered with C Lazy U to spend a year seeding the property by helicopter. NCWCD also worked with the ranch to create a barrier for down trees to keep them from ending up at the dam on Willow Creek Reservoir. Reforesting efforts have also been planned for the ranch. In 2023, we performed planting with One Canopy and Ecoculture and planted 1,600 trees with volunteers 3 years after the fire. In 2024,  the ranch signed a deal with Land Life to plant over 450,000 trees, the first phase of which has been completed with 182,000 trees already planted over 600 acres.

The fencing throughout our expansive 8,500 acres has been almost entirely rebuilt, an enormous undertaking given the size of the property and the importance of maintaining secure pastures. The barn, a central feature of the ranch, is currently in the design stage, with plans being developed by a dedicated committee. We also lost our hay storage structure in the fire (the intensity of the flames were so severe that even the steel I-beams melted). In response, we rebuilt the structure and doubled its size, ensuring that we have ample capacity for future needs. We’re also excited to announce that construction has begun on the new Evergreen Cabin, designed for both individual and multi-family use. The cabin is set to be completed in the spring of 2026. Four member homes have also been rebuilt, with two more under construction. 

A Partnership for Good: East Troublesome Fire Whiskey

In the aftermath of the East Troublesome Fire, C Lazy U Ranch and Lock + Co. Distilling came together to create something special out of the devastation. What began as a simple idea from Sommelier Tony Collier  — using charred aspen from the ranch property affected by the fire — has blossomed into a meaningful collaboration that honors both the land and its resilience.

The result was the first edition of the Aspen Aged Rye – East Troublesome Fire Edition, aged in port barrels and featuring the unique flavors of the ranch’s charred aspen. The response from guests was overwhelmingly positive, celebrating both the whiskey and the story behind it. This initial success led to a second limited edition release in spring 2024, known as Duck Pond. Using aspen wood from the ranch, this edition was aged in American oak and Sherry barrels, creating a complex, 100-proof rye with a buttery spice and cherry-jam profile. The green label represents the ongoing regrowth and restoration of the ranch and the surrounding areas.

The exclusive bottles are available to ranch guests, with $15 from each bottle donated to local charities.

Four Years Later: A Bright Future

Today, four years after the fire, the ranch is thriving once again. Most guests who visit C Lazy U may never know the scale of the destruction that occurred, as the ranch has recovered with incredible speed and determination. What’s more important, however, is that the people who make C Lazy U so special — its team members, guests, and community — have grown even closer in the wake of such a challenge.

Our amazing partnership with East Grand Fire Protection District 1 is going strong, with a focus on measures to prevent future wildfires. We stay constantly connected to protect the ranch and surrounding areas via fire mitigation efforts, defensible space, and education. Additionally, the ranch has put over 2,400 acres into conservation easements with The Nature Conservancy over the years. This partnership helps protect our beautiful western landscapes and provides a wildlife sanctuary for the local flora and fauna. As the ranch continues to rebuild and restore, C Lazy U stands as a symbol of resilience, strength, and the incredible power of community.

Volunteers at C Lazy U Ranch

The memories of the East Troublesome Fire may never fade, but neither will the bonds forged through this experience. From all of us at C Lazy U Ranch, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported and continues to support us through this journey.

Thank you. 

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October marks four years since the East Troublesome Fire, the second largest wildfire in Colorado history, passed through Grand County and C Lazy U Ranch. While the devastation was immense, upon looking back, what stands out most is the strength and compassion that emerged in the aftermath. From the overwhelming support of our local community…

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From the Horse's Mouth

The housekeeping staff was so through! I really appreciate them taking the time and energy to keep the facilities top notch! Additionally, the humidifiers were a life saver for us.

~ Kevin & Sarah M., 11-14-2021

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